Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of tormenting by continued persistent attacks and criticism: The act of harassing or pestering someone in a way that causes them persistent distress or annoyance.
   • The act of subjecting someone to unwanted or improper sexual advances or activity (especially women or children): The act of forcing inappropriate and unwanted sexual contact or behavior upon another person, often someone vulnerable.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (General Harassment):
  • The constant molestation by the aggressive reporters made the celebrity's life unbearable.
  • He faced years of psychological molestation from his critics.
• Noun (Sexual Offense):
  • The suspect was arrested for the molestation of a minor.
  • Laws against sexual molestation are designed to protect vulnerable individuals.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Context: In legal terminology, "molestation" is a specific charge, often referring to sexual crimes, particularly against children.
  • The court case focused on the evidence of repeated molestation.
• Historical/Literary Context: In older texts, it can more broadly mean severe harassment or interference.
  • The villagers suffered molestation from the occupying forces.

Variants and Related Words

• Molest (verb): To subject someone to unwanted or improper sexual activity; to harass or pester.
  • He was accused of attempting to molest a child.
• Molester (noun): A person who molests someone, especially in a sexual context.
  • The community was warned about a convicted child molester in the area.
• Child Molestation (noun phrase): A specific legal term for the sexual abuse of a child.
  • The documentary examined the traumatic effects of child molestation.

Synonyms

• Harassment: Aggressive pressure or intimidation.
• Abuse: Cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal.
• Assault: A physical attack.
• Pestering: To trouble or annoy someone with frequent or persistent requests or interruptions.

Antonyms

• Protection: The action of protecting someone or something.
• Respect: A feeling of deep admiration for someone elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements; due regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others.
• Care: The provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Sexual molestation: The most common collocation, specifying the type of unwanted activity.
  • The victim bravely testified about the sexual molestation.
• Accused of molestation: A common phrase used in legal and news reporting.
  • The teacher was accused of molestation and immediately suspended.

Noun

1. the act of tormenting by continued persistent attacks and criticism
2. the act of subjecting someone to unwanted or improper sexual advances or activity (especially women or children)